Water shed based development in rainfed tribal and non-tribal areas – A study in Andhra Pradesh

Rainfed agriculture in India is characterized by low productivity and degraded natural resources. A majority of the people in rural areas eke out there living depending on agriculture and allied activities. Therefore, scientists, administrators and policy makers considered development of rainfed areas/natural resources necessary for improving economic conditions of rural families. Realizing the potential of dry land agriculture both the central and state governments have been making persistent efforts through planned programmes to harvests water resources inclusive of watershed development programmes. In this backdrop, the present study examine the benefits accrued by the farmers after execution of watershed programmes in dry land agricultural areas of Andhra Pradesh. The study found that the impact of watershed development is positive with respect to crop yield, livestock, green grass, drinking water, ground water level and agro related economic activities.